Dear Northern Families,
May arrives next week already! Hard to believe.
You can read a recap of the Robotics Team’s trip to Texas below. I want to Thank Mr. Stephen Wong for his tireless efforts making our First Robotics team a reality. Mr. Wong was supported by a dedicated group of parent volunteers who also deserve a huge shout out. Thank You for making this excursion a reality.
The student calendar can be found here: 2024-2025 School Calendar. Any additions made will be highlighted for a two week period throughout the year.
The student handbook can be found here: Student Handbook
Things to Know for Next Week:
Monday: SAC Elections Content Deadline
Wednesday: GAC Meeting 6pm
Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
Robotics Club: FRC FIRST Championship 2025 in Houston, Texas
The Robotics Club expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the parents, students, School Council, NSS Foundation, school administration and staff, sponsors and supporters for their invaluable contributions, making the club's first-ever trip to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) World Championship in Houston a reality. This remarkable achievement was accomplished despite the tight timeline following the provincial qualification event.
The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved enabled the team to overcome logistical and financial challenges, allowing its members to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The World Championship was an exhilarating event where the team connected with participants from around the world, united by a shared passion for STEM. With 600 teams from more than 66 countries in attendance, the event provided an eye-opening opportunity to learn from diverse approaches and innovations in robotics.
During the World competition, the team ranked 9th out of 76 teams in their division and was the third pick of the first alliance. The final match did not unfold as hoped—mirroring challenges encountered at the provincial playoffs. Despite these challenges, they can take pride in their outstanding achievements this season.
The Robotics Club celebrated a historic milestone as a District Event Winner, marking a major breakthrough for the team. Additionally, the club earned the Innovation in Control Award, Autonomous Award, and Creativity Award. The number of awards received this season equals the total earned over the past three years combined. Most importantly, the team reached the World Championship—a key milestone identified at the start of the school year.
Special recognition is extended to the graduating Grade 12 students who have poured their heart and soul into the team, balancing their rigorous academic workloads with their team responsibilities. Many of these students have been part of the club since its inception and have left a lasting legacy for future members to build upon. The Robotics Club warmly invites these students to return to mentor or visit in the years to come.
The event also sparked enthusiasm among younger team members, inspiring them to take on the responsibilities currently carried by the Grade 12 students. As the team was established less than four years ago, this generational transition marks a pivotal moment in its history.
With the season nearing its conclusion, the Robotics Club remains committed to hosting outreach events that foster STEM education in diverse communities and prepare future leaders to steer the team forward. Individuals eager to view the robot or engage with team members about their journey are warmly welcome to join the Northern Lights event in late May.
To view photos from the World Championship, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s-CvnPDj9fWqyXxAFnSUdp_F4GC1A_Ou?usp=sharing
Red Knights 25:
On Wednesday, April 23rd, Northern sent team "Red Knights 25" to participate in the West GTA Canadian Mathematics Contest at Central Technical School.
"Red Knights 25" came 2nd in the overall competition, with a 1st and 2nd place finish in two team events. Thank you to Ms. Nechyporuk and congratulations to Maxim Beauchemin, Shams Chandani, William Hu, John Liabotis, Tommy Shen, and Matthew Wang for their outstanding performance. Well done Northern!
Sports Spectators
We love having Northern fans in the stands at our games, but please leave your dogs and pets at home. As per board policy, there are no dogs allowed on our field or in the bleachers. Thank You!
Valedictorian Selection:
At the Grade 12 Prom assembly on May 12th students will hear from candidates for Valedictorian. If your child is interested in this position please see the attachment here: Valedictorian Nomination Form . Please note there is an essential deadline, that does take work ahead of time, of May 8th, 2025.
Model UN:
Hey Northern! This year, Northern Model United Nations will be hosting it's second ever conference! We engage in a plethora of debate committees! Such as, Percy Jackson, Canada's Election, The Chernoybl Crisis and Unicef. We hope to see you there on Saturday May 3rd, 2025 to maintain decorum, enrich your debating skills and improve your civic engagement.
https://sites.google.com/student.tdsb.on.ca/nss-model-united-nations2025/home
Prom:
PROM!!! IT'S A PARTY!!!
Prom tickets are on sale right now! We can't wait to celebrate with you at Parkview Manor on May 30th.
Parents/Guardians were sent an email from SCHOOL CASH ONLINE with an invitation to buy one ticket for their graduate, and one for a guest.
- note: If you purchase ONE single ticket School Cash may indicate that your purchase is "Overdue". The computer system just really thinks you should bring a date to prom, lol! Your single ticket purchase HAS gone through correctly as long as you have received an emailed receipt confirming your order. We will hand out paper tickets to students in early May, and plan table seating arrangements. We will post information about next steps on Google Classroom.
If you have any issues or questions about ticket purchases, please reach out to Kristen.Beach@tdsb.on.ca Looking forward to this great event!
Asian Heritage Month Assembly
May is Asian Heritage Month! We are very excited to announce that we will be having an Asian Heritage Month assembly for our grade 9, 10, & 11 students on Tuesday, May 13 during period 1. An assembly day schedule will be followed.
Northern STEM Alumni Panel - May 7th, 6-8:30 pm
Northern’s STEM Alumni Panel - Register Today!
Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM? Want to explore possible pathways or careers? The Northern Science Department is once again hosting our annual STEM Alumni Panel!
This moderated event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Felsky and a panel of Northern alumni from a variety of different STEM related fields, ranging from medicine, kinesiology to engineering. Panelists include current university students and professionals who have excelled in their chosen profession. The panel discussion will then be followed by a short meet and greet session.
This is an amazing opportunity to hear Northern alumni speak about their experiences, offer insightful advice for those wanting to continue their education in STEM, and get your questions answered. Everyone is welcome!
Panelist Details: STEM Alumni Panel Event Poster and Detailed Panelist Bios
Event Details: May 7th, 6:00-8:30 pm at Northern Secondary School
Registration: If you are interested in attending this event, please indicate your interest by filling out this form (note that registration is not required but recommended as it helps plan for event spaces and meet-and-greet refreshments). Visit our INSTAGRAM @nss.stem.panel for more information, and keep an eye out for our posters/QR codes attached in math/science classrooms around the school!
If you have any questions, please email ashley.dong@student.tdsb.on.ca or DM us on Instagram.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Academic Resource Centre:
Exam Computer Accomodation Survey - Students with Assistive Technology/Computer on their IEP received the Exam Computer Accomodation survey yesterday. If your child has the accommodation encourage them to complete the form as soon as possible.
Note*
- Have a math or science exam? Check with your teacher because you probably do not need a computer.
- Please complete this form AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
- You can not make changes so if you have any questions - come to room 112 at lunch time
- If you have a language exam check with your teacher that you will use your own chromebook in the classroom
Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums
Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!
Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including:
· Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency
· Social Media and Cellphone Dependency
· Criminality & Prevention
· Missing Youth & Community Safety
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.
Parking
Unfortunately, there is no student parking available at Northern. We are seeing a lot of students parking in the lot, especially ahead of early morning practices. Please do not park here to avoid receiving a parking ticket.
Immunizations
Suspensions have begun for students who have not provided Toronto Public Health with a record of student immunization for students born in 2008.
If you have updated immunization information, please share it with Toronto Public Health one of two ways:
If your student needs to be vaccinated, please get vaccinated as soon as possible. Go to toronto.ca/StudentVaccines to book an appointment
Parents/caregivers who are unsure about their child’s vaccination history, have records in other languages, cannot find their child’s records, or are unsure about what they need to do next, encourage them to call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 for assistance.
Parents who choose not to vaccinate their child, should apply for an exemption and attend a required education session. Details can be found online at toronto.ca/StudentVaccines.
Final Exams
It is never too early to start thinking about final exams!
Final exams run from June 18-23, 2025. The moratorium period begins on Thursday June 12. There will be no excursions or athletic events during this period.
You can find information about the culminating activities and final exams for each course here (organized by grade) here: NSS Culminating and Final Exam Information Sem 2 2025.
You can find a detailed exam schedule here: NSS Exam Schedule - Semester 2 2024-25
The schedule follows this format:
Students will follow their Day 1 schedule as follows for exams:
Wednesday, June 18 - Period 1 Exam
Thursday, June 19 - Period 2 Exam
Friday, June 20 - Period 3 Exam
Monday, June 23 - Period 4 Exam
ALL exams will begin at 10:00 am. Exam duration will vary by subject/year. Looking ahead, students should make sure they eat a good breakfast as they will eat a “late” lunch on these days once exams are over (late relative to our usual 11:40 am lunchtime).
Please take some time to look through our Exam ReadiNSS site for information and resources. More information will be added as exams approach – including some in person exam preparation sessions provided by our student services and special education departments.
CULMINATING TASKS AND EXAMS
Culminating activities and examinations carry the same importance and the same attendance requirement. Thus, attendance during culminating activities is mandatory. Some courses have culminating activities that take place over several days. Thus, attendance during culminating activities/summative evaluations is mandatory. A culminating activity is the final evaluation in each course which is worth 30% of the final mark. “This evaluation will be based on evidence from one or a combination of the following: an examination, a performance, an essay and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content” (p.41-Growing Success). Students who miss culminating activities or summative evaluations will be given a mark of zero for the portion missed with no opportunity to make up the missed work unless there is an extenuating and documented circumstance, such as a medical situation, court date, funeral etc. It is absolutely crucial that students do not miss any time during the end of a semester. Under Ministry of Education and TDSB regulations, there can be no accommodations made for students who miss the 30% culminating activities and summative evaluations at the end of a semester for personal reasons such as vacation or work. Students and parents should be aware that scheduled vacations at this time can significantly impact student achievement. With the exception of a medical emergency, all summative tests and assignments that are missed as a result of these absences will be assigned a mark of zero.
School Council:
1. Northern STEM Alumni Panel - May 7th, 6-8:30 pm. Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM and want to learn more about possible careers and pathways? The Northern Science Department is pleased to announce that we are hosting a STEM Alumni Panel again this year. The event will feature a keynote speaker as well as a panel of Northern Alumni who are either studying or working in STEM related fields. Come join us at Northern Secondary School on the evening of May 7th to hear the alumni speak about their experiences working and studying in their fields of expertise, as well as answer your questions. Everyone is welcome! Please register in advance to help with planning. Visit our INSTAGRAM @nss.stem.panel for more information.
External Free Resources for Families
We are happy to share free resources that are likely to be of broad interest to Northern families.
Social Media Safety Night for Parents - April 29th - 6:00-8:00 PM - Regent Park Community Centre, Banquet Hall – 402 Shuter Street, Toronto. Toronto Police Services (Child Exploitation Unit/Internet Child Exploitation) will be presenting along with guest speakers including TDSB Social Work and Youth Outreach Workers (YOW). You will hear practical strategies for navigating social media risks and an open discussion of online safety. Advance registration is required.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Virtual Information Session - Wednesday, May 7th, 7-8 pm. Registration is now open for this virtual info session hosted by York Mills Collegiate School Council: register here. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers grade 11 and 12 students, who are at least 15 years of age, an opportunity to explore a skilled trade and begin an apprenticeship while completing credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Through the Co-operative Education program, OYAP provides students with on-site work experience and a realistic opportunity to become registered as an apprentice with a willing employer. Students can participate in work placements in any of the 144 trades, in either full or half-day placements.
Parenting Unplugged, Learn How To Talk Tech with Teens, Set Limits Without Battles and Strike a Balance Between Tech Time and Face Time - Thursday, May 8th - 6:30-8:00 pm - Forest Hill Collegiate. Forest Hill Collegiate School Council invites Northern parents to attend this free presentation by Ulrica Jobe. Advance registration is required. This engaging workshop will explore the latest research on how technology use impacts children and teens, why setting boundaries is crucial, and practical strategies to foster healthy digital habits at home. Don't miss this opportunity to gain confidence in managing screen time while strengthening family connections. Refreshments will be provided.
Northern Secondary School Foundation:
Northern Secondary School Foundation Accepting Applications for Scholarships and Awards March 7-May 2, 2025
Attention Parents/Guardians of Graduating Students
The Foundation is pleased to offer many Scholarships and Awards to graduating students. We are grateful to former teachers, parents and alumni who fund these awards.
Go to nssf.ca/scholarships for a complete list of the scholarships and application forms.
- scholarships and awards recognize academic achievement in math, science, social science, business, family studies, music, art and design.. Others recognize leadership in community service, environmental and humanitarian initiatives, participation in athletic and extracurricular activities, and perseverance in face of adversity.
Award winners are selected by the Scholarship Committee of Northern Secondary School. If you have any questions about the awards or the application process, contact us at info@nssf.ca and we will get back to you
Guidance Updates:
- April’s Wellness Theme is “Mindfulness & Breathing: Mindfulness is our Super Power! Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally.
This week’s Wellness quote is:
“Every time we ponder a thought, act on an impulse, or dwell on a desire, we are setting in motion a cause that will have a future effect. Mindfulness enables us to choose wisely.” - Tamara Levitt
- Recently, the Guidance Department held a lunch presentation on How to Pay for Post-Secondary, here's the slide deck from that presentation. You will find the following topics within:
- OSAP: when to apply, how it works, what you need etc.
- Student Loans: how to bridge the gap if OSAP isn’t enough
- The difference between OSAP and Student Loans
Feel free to come to the Guidance Office if you have any questions!
- TDSB Summer School Options:
- Registration for 2025 e-Summer School Program will OPEN on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students.
- Registration for 2025 ConEd Summer programs will OPEN April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- Continuing Education (ConEd) and e-Summer are two separate departments.
e-Summer Information here
- Registration for 2025 e-Summer School Program will tentatively OPEN on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students.
- asynchronous online e-learning
- July and August courses available
- Grade 11 and 12 courses
- July e-Learning Key Dates: July e-Learning registration closes June 3, 2025
- August e-Summer Key Dates – Registration closes July 4, 2025.
ConEd Information here
- Registration for 2025 ConEd Summer programs will OPEN April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- Full Credit Course Registration will CLOSE June 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- TDSB Credit Recovery will CLOSE June 27, 2025.
- ConEd Summer School classes will be held from July 2 to July 25, 2025 - Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- These classes are available only in July.
- ConEd Remote Learning: All Grade 9 and 10 credit courses will be delivered through synchronous online learning.
- ConEd In-Person Learning: All Grade 9 to 12 credit courses, students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher.
- Summer School In Person Sites/Locations
- Attention NSS 2025 Potential Grads: The NSSF 2025 Scholarships are now OPEN for application! Please go to https://nssf.ca/scholarships/ for more info! Applications close May 2, 2025.
- Seeking Scholarships has released their April Scholarship Report which has upcoming scholarship dates listed for students applying to post-secondary programs in all areas, and there are tons of helpful resources around applying to OSAP as well.
Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password, scholar678: https://seekingscholarships.com/the-scholarship-report-2/
Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.
Northern-specific scholarship information and deadlines (along with other common awards that students apply to can be found here): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ZrEGhtrhY8rH4WW3NLC-p5QE-2hStUszLZTn34h8_o/edit
- Summer Camp Opportunities:
TDSB International Student Global Leadership and Communication Camp 2025
Click on the link here for more info.
TDSB: Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be offering summer school for students who are currently enrolled in a Developmental Disability (DD), Physical Disability (PD), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Intensive Support Program (ISP). These half-day programs will be held at various locations throughout the TDSB.The programs will support students to continue to develop their independence in the areas of functional literacy and numeracy skills, activities of daily living, and communication and social skills through a creative curriculum that can include technology, physical fitness, art, music and drama. Programs are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, from July 2 to July 25, 2025.
DATES: Wednesday, July 2, to Friday, July 25, 2025
HOUR S: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
*Only students currently enrolled in these Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) are eligible for registration.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 25, 2025
- IMPORTANT Volunteering Information:
NSS Volunteer & Community Involvement Policy:
Guidance has been working with Admin to finalise the NSS Volunteer & Community Involvement Policy.
PLEASE NOTE: Events and activities supporting a not-for-profit initiative/organization are approved. If you are unsure if your activities supports a not-for-profit program, please see your Guidance counsellor for approval of the volunteering initiative. For more information about the TDSB’s policy on Volunteering, click here. Students: for volunteering information and opportunities, please visit your Guidance Google classroom or www.volunteertoronto.ca. You can find the TDSB Community Involvement form here.
- Online Graduation Requirement – Information and Opt-Out Form.
Looking for information about the Ontario Ministry Online Learning graduation requirement? Please click here. Overview Info: Students may withdraw/opt out of this new requirement and graduate with an OSSD if you have decided now to withdraw from the graduation requirement, please complete the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form and return it to your Guidance Counsellor.
- Mental Wellness Resource Document
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
Have a great weekend!
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS